Brad Dumes learned all aspects of residential real estate from buying auction properties sight unseen and completely rehabbing them. “I took calculated risks and faced an enormous number of unforeseen circumstances that prepared me to be a huge asset to my clients,” says Dumes, a real estate broker with Baird & Warner. From the experience, he learned about rehabs, construction, design, additions, city regulations, legal hurdles and other details involved in producing a pristine property. As he interacted with the agents and buyers who came to view his properties, he realized he had the knowledge and unique skill set to create a full-service experience for buyers and sellers.

“I saw a value-add niche in being able to offer clients my lived and learned experience in every facet of the process,” he says. “It was then that I decided to begin representing clients myself.” Ten years after switching careers, the former pit options trader still finds himself drawing on his 15 years of finance experience daily. “Risk-reward analysis, valuation analysis, solid relationships, finding opportunities, and sensing changes in a dynamic environment have really transferred over to real estate,” he explains.

His expertise spans from market economics and analysis to property valuations, to rehab recommendations and cost estimates, to contractor and vendor referrals, project management, negotiations, and more. “It is important to me to be there every step of the way and always make sure my clients are prepared for every scenario and know what is next,” he says.   

Active in the community, Dumes created and led philanthropic organizations within the companies where he has worked. He coaches Little League baseball, enjoys going to concerts as often as he can and spending time with his family and friends. “All of these experiences have helped me stay grounded and exposed me to the many personalities in the workplace, bringing the best out in myself and those around me,” he says.